Court acquits Maoist leader, 6 others in Odisha

Koraput (Odisha): A fast track court in Odisha`s Koraput has acquitted Maoist leader Chenda Bhusanam alias Ghasi and six others in connection with two murders committed in Naxal-hit district three years ago.

The court of additional session judge acquitted Ghasi (46) and six others yesterday due to lack of adequate evidence for the murders committed in January, 2010.

The Red leader was arrested on charge of involvement in the murders of Budi Biswanath Patra and Hari Sahukar of Katulpeta village on January 11, 2010. The two murders were executed the same night within a span of 30 minutes, according to prosecution.

However, the Maoist leader`s advocate Nihar Pattnaik said Ghasi would have to remain in jail as he is accused in at least ten other cases relating to Maoist offensives in the tribal-dominated district.